Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02894713 2015-06-10
FOOTWEAR RETENTION SYSTEMS
BACKGROUND
The innovations and related subject matter disclosed herein (collectively
referred
to as the "disclosure") generally pertain to retention systems for footwear,
with a
retention system configured to retain or immobilize an article of footwear
relative to a
wearer's foot and/or leg when the footwear is worn being but one example of
disclosed
retention systems. Some disclosed retention systems are particularly, but not
exclusively,
suitable for securing a sport boot to a wearer's foot and leg for use in a
sport where
relative movement (e.g., a sliding or a lifting movement) between the boot and
the
wearer's foot or leg is undesirable. For example, some disclosed retention
systems are
configured to retain a boot for a snow or a skating sport to a wearer's food
and leg, in part
by providing a closure system configured to urge the foot into the footbed and
simultaneously urge the heel into the heel cup. In such sports, reduced or
eliminated
relative movement between the boot and the wearer's foot and leg provided by
disclosed
retention systems can improve power transfer between the wearer
Systems that include a "cam-over" type of clamp positioned over the instep of
a
boot have been proposed for rigid ski boots. The retractable clamp constricts
the rigid
shell around the wearer's foot, urging the foot downwardly against the footbed
and, to the
extent the rigid shell might not be parallel to the footbed, rcarwardly into
the hecl area.
Such boots are made of stiff plastic parts and can have specially molded
features for
routing of tensioning cables to constrict the rigid shell around the wearer's
foot.
However, such boots may not allow for easy or precise adjustment of the cable
tension.
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The integration of such systems into rigid-shell boot may also pose
manufacturing
challenges and may be costly.
A snowboard boot shell, in contrast to a rigid shell for a ski boot, typically
has
opposed, spaced apart edges and relatively lower stiffness. A tongue is
usually
positioned between and/or behind the opposed edges of the shell. In such
boots, a lace or
cable-based closure system may be used to draw the opposed edges of the shell
together,
constricting the shell around a wearer's foot and leg. Integrating and routing
cable
systems from molded, hard shell ski boots into relatively more flexible
snowboard boots
has proven difficult, in part, because the spaced apart edges of snowboard
boot shells are
generally incompatible with such closure systems.
A footwear tensioning system has been proposed for applying an instep force
against an instep portion of a wearer's foot positioned in footwear in U.S.
Patent No.
7,818,899. In the '899 Patent, an article of footwear has an outer member, an
inner
lining, an instep member, and a lace. The outer member defines an outer
surface of the
item of footwear and the inner lining is positioned within the outer member.
The instep
member extends across an instep portion of the inner lining and the lace is
routed through
an anchor positioned adjacent the footbed and coupled to the instep member
such that
tension applied to the lace draws the instep member downward toward the
footbed and
rearward to the heel cup. However, the system described in the '899 Patent is
not
configured to constrict an outer shell of the footwear around the wearer's leg
or to
otherwise immobilize or inhibit movement of the footwear relative to the
wearer's leg.
The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of disadvantages of
the
prior art and needed improvements; it is only a sampling. In view of the
foregoing and
unlisted deficiencies in the prior art, a substantial need remains for
improved footwear
retention systems.
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SUMMARY
Innovations disclosed herein may address one or more problems in the prior art
and address one or more of the aforementioned or other needs, and pertain
generally to
retention systems for footwear. For example, a retention system for footwear
can include
opposed constrictors and a tensioner configured to urge the opposed
constrictors toward
each other in response to a tensile force applied to the tensioner, and
opposed first and
second anchors spaced from the tensioner. A retainer can have opposed first
and second
retainer couplers. The first retainer coupler can operatively engage the first
anchor, and
the second retainer coupler can operatively engage the second anchor, such
that a tensile
load applied to one or both of the first and second retainer couplers urges
the retainer
toward one or both of the first and second anchors. Each of the first retainer
coupler and
the second retainer coupler can be operatively engaged with the tensioner such
that a
tensile load applied to the tensioner urges the first retainer coupler and the
second retainer
coupler into tension, and thereby urges the retainer toward one or both of the
first and
second anchors.
In some instances, the opposed constrictors can include opposed first and
second
closure elements. The tensioner can include a lace operatively extending
between the
first and the second closure elements such that a tensile load applied to the
lace urges the
first and the second closure elements toward each other. The opposed first and
second
retainer couplers can include respective first and second strap segments. The
opposed
first and second anchors can include respective first and second apertured
members. The
operative engagement between the first retainer and the first anchor can
include the first
strap segment extending through and urging against the first apertured member.
In other instances, the opposed first and second anchors can include
respective
- 25 first and second apertured members, and the retainer can include a
portion of a tongue
member. The opposed first and second retainer couplers can include respective
first and
second strap segments outwardly extending from the tongue member and through
the
apertured members. The operative engagement between the first retainer coupler
and the
tensioner can include a first slidable engagement of the first strap member
with the
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tensioner, and the operative engagement between the second retainer coupler
and the
tensioner can include a second slidable engagement of the second strap member
with the
tensioner.
In some instances, the first and second closure elements can include
respective
first and second eyerows. The opposed first and second eyerows, the lace, and
the first
and second strap portions can be positioned inwardly of at least a portion of
the retainer
relative to a user's foot when the footwear is donned.
The opposed constrictors, the tensioner, and the first and second strap
segments
can be positioned inwardly of the tongue member relative to a user's foot when
the
footwear is donned.
The opposed constrictors can include opposed first and second eyerows
positioned adjacent respective first and second opposed edges of a harness
member. The
opposed first and second anchors can be fixedly coupled to the footwear such
that the
first and the second retainer couplers are positioned inwardly of the footwear
relative to a
user's foot when the footwear is donned.
The footwear can include an outer shell member and the harness member can
include an inner harness member. The opposed first and second anchors can be
positioned between the outer shell and the inner harness member in an opposed
relationship with each other.
The opposed constrictors can include inner closure elements and the tensioner
can
include an inner tensioner positioned inwardly of the retainer relative to a
user's foot
when the footwear is donned. Such a retention system can also include opposed
outer
closure elements and an outer tensioner. Each of the opposed outer closure
elements and
the outer tensioner can be positioned outwardly of the retainer relative to
the user's foot
when the footwear is donned. The outer tensioner can be configured to urge the
opposed
outer closure elements toward each other in response to a tensile force
applied to the
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outer tensioner, and thereby to supplement a retention force applied to the
users foot as a
result of the tension force applied to the inner tensioner.
The opposed outer closure elements can include respective opposed first and
second outer eyerows and the outer tensioner can include an outer lace
operatively
extending through the opposed first and the second outer eyerows such that a
tensile load
applied to the outer lace urges the first and the second outer eyerows toward
each other.
Inner closure elements can include respective opposed first and second inner
eyerows, and the inner tensioner can include an inner lace operatively
extending through
the opposed first and the second inner eyerows such that a tensile load
applied to the
inner lace urges the first and the second inner eyerows toward each other. The
opposed
first and second retainer couplers can include respective first and second
strap segments
and the opposed first and second anchors can include respective first and
second
apertured members. The operative engagement between the first retainer and the
first
anchor can include the first strap segment extending through and urging
against the first
apertured member.
In other instances, the opposed first and second anchors can include
respective
first and second apertured members. The retainer can include a tongue member
and the
opposed first and second retainer couplers can include respective first and
second strap
segments extending outwardly from the tongue member and through the apertured
members. The operative engagement between the first retainer coupler and the
inner
tensioner can include a first slidable engagement of the first strap member
with the inner
tensioner, and the operative engagement between the second retainer coupler
and the
inner tensioner can include a second slidable engagement of the second strap
member
with the inner tensioner. The first and second strap portions can be
positioned inwardly
of at least a portion of the retainer relative to a user's foot when the
footwear is donned.
The first and second strap segments can be positioned inwardly of the tongue
member
relative to a user's foot when the footwear is donned.
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In other instances, the inner closure elements can include respective opposed
first
and second inner eyerows positioned adjacent corresponding first and second
opposed
edges of an inner harness member. The inner harness member can be positioned
inwardly of at least a portion of the retainer relative to a user's foot when
the footwear is
donned.
The opposed first and second anchors can be fixedly coupled to the footwear
such
that the first and the second retainer couplers are positionable inwardly of
the footwear
relative to a user's foot when the footwear is donned.
The footwear can include an outer shell member and the harness member can be
an inner harness member. The opposed first and second anchors can be
positioned
between the outer shell and the inner harness member in an opposed
relationship with
each other.
In another respect, retention mechanisms for footwear having an outer shell
and
an inner liner positioned within the outer shell are disclosed. The retention
system can
include opposed first and second inner closure elements positioned between the
outer
shell and the inner liner. An inner lace can operatively extend between and
engage the
opposed first and the second inner closure elements. The inner lace can be
configured to
urge the opposed first and second inner closure elements toward each other in
response to
a tensile force applied to the inner lace. Opposed first and second anchors
can be spaced
from the inner lace and positioned outwardly of the inner liner. A retainer
can have
opposed first and second strap segments extending outwardly from the retainer.
The first
strap segment can slidably extend through the first anchor and have a
corresponding
distal eyelet. The second strap segment can slidably extend through the second
anchor
and have a corresponding distal eyelet. The inner lace can slidably extend
through the
distal eyelet corresponding to the first strap segment and through the distal
eyelet
corresponding to the second strap segment such that the inner lace is
configured to urge
the distal eyelet corresponding to the first strap segment and the distal
eyelet
corresponding to the second strap segment toward each other to urge the
retainer toward
the opposed first and second anchors. Opposed first and second outer closure
elements
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can be positioned outwardly of the retainer relative to the inner liner. An
outer lace can
operatively extend between and engage the opposed first and second outer
closure
elements to urge the opposed first and second outer closure elements toward
each other
and such that the outer lace is configured to urge the retainer inwardly
toward the liner in
response to a tensile force applied to the outer lace.
An inner harness can be positioned between the outer shell and the inner liner
and
extend at least partially around the inner liner. The opposed first and second
inner
closure elements can be positioned adjacent respective opposed first and
second edges of
the inner harness.
The retainer can include a tongue member configured to overlie at least a
wearer's
instep outwardly of the inner liner and inwardly of the opposed first and
second outer
closure elements when the footwear is worn. The retainer can include an
intermediate
strap segment extending between the opposed first and second strap segments.
The
intermediate strap segment, the opposed first and second strap segments, and
the opposed
first and second anchors can be cooperatively configured to urge the
intermediate strap
inwardly toward the inner liner when the distal eyelet corresponding to the
first strap
segment and the distal eyelet corresponding to the second strap segment urge
toward each
other.
The retainer can further include an intermediate strap segment extending
between
the opposed first and second strap segments. The intermediate strap segment
can be
fixedly coupled with the tongue member. The opposed first and second strap
segments
and the respective anchors can be so configured as to urge the tongue member
toward the
wearer's instep as the opposed first and second strap segments urge toward
each other.
The opposed first and second anchors can include respective first and second
apertured members substantially fixedly positioned relative to the outer
shell. Each of the
first and second apertured members can be an eyelet, a D-ring, or an 0-ring.
The outer
shell can include a lining and each of the opposed first and second anchors
can include a
respective anchor strap sewn to the lining. Each respective anchor strap can
have an
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eyelet matingly engaged with the respective apertured member to thereby
fixedly position
the respective apertured member relative to the outer shell.
In one embodiment, there is provided a retention system for footwear. The
retention system includes opposed constrictors and a tensioner configured to
urge the
opposed constrictors toward each other in response to a tensile force applied
to the
tensioner, and opposed first and second anchors spaced from the tensioner. The
retention
system further includes a retainer having opposed first and second retainer
couplers. The
first retainer coupler operatively engages the first anchor and the second
retainer coupler
operatively engages the second anchor such that a tensile load applied to one
or both of
the first and second retainer couplers urges the retainer toward one or both
of the first and
second anchors. Each of the first retainer coupler and the second retainer
coupler is
operatively engaged with the tensioner such that a tensile load applied to the
tensioner
urges the first retainer coupler and the second retainer coupler into tension
and thereby
urges the retainer toward one or both of the first and second anchors. The
opposed first
and second anchors include respective first and second apertured members. The
retainer
includes a portion of a tongue member and the opposed first and second
retainer couplers
include respective first and second strap segments outwardly extending from
the tongue
member and through the apertured members. The operative engagement between the
first
retainer coupler and the tensioner includes a first slidable engagement of the
first strap
segment with the tensioner, and the operative engagement between the second
retainer
coupler and the tensioner includes a second slidable engagement of the second
strap
segment with the tensioner. The opposed constrictors, the tensioner, and the
first and
second strap segments are positioned inwardly of the tongue member relative to
a user's
foot when the footwear is donned
The opposed constrictors may include opposed first and second closure
elements,
and the tensioner may include a lace operatively extending between the first
and the
second closure elements such that a tensile load applied to the lace urges the
first and the
second closure elements toward each other. An operative engagement between the
first
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retainer and the first anchor may include the first strap segment extending
through and
urging against the first apertured member.
The first and second closure elements may include respective first and second
eyerows, wherein the opposed first and second eyerows, the lace, and the first
and second
strap segments are positioned inwardly of at least a portion of the retainer
relative to a
user's foot when the footwear is donned.
The opposed constrictors may include opposed first and second eyerows
positioned adjacent respective first and second opposed edges of a harness
member.
The opposed first and second anchors may be fixedly coupled to the footwear
such that the first and the second retainer couplers are positioned inwardly
of the
footwear relative to a user's foot when the footwear is donned.
The footwear may include an outer shell member and the harness member may
include an inner harness member. The opposed first and second anchors may be
positioned between the outer shell and the inner harness member in an opposed
relationship with each other.
In another embodiment, there is provided a retention system for footwear. The
retention system includes opposed constrictors and a tensioner configured to
urge the
opposed constrictors toward each other in response to a tensile force applied
to the
tensioner, and opposed first and second anchors spaced from the tensioner. The
retention
system further includes a retainer having opposed first and second retainer
couplers. The
first retainer coupler operatively engages the first anchor and the second
retainer coupler
operatively engages the second anchor such that a tensile load applied to one
or both of
the first and second retainer couplers urges the retainer toward one or both
of the first and
second anchors. Each of the first retainer coupler and the second retainer
coupler is
operatively engaged with the tensioner such that a tensile load applied to the
tensioner
urges the first retainer coupler and the second retainer coupler into tension
and thereby
urges the retainer toward one or both of the first and second anchors. The
opposed
constrictors include inner closure elements and the tensioner includes an
inner tensioner
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positioned inwardly of the retainer relative to a user's foot when the
footwear is donned.
The retention system further includes opposed outer closure elements and an
outer
tensioner. Each of the opposed outer closure elements and the outer tensioner
are
positioned outwardly of the retainer relative to the user's foot when the
footwear is
donned. The outer tensioner is configured to urge the opposed outer closure
elements
toward each other in response to a tensile force applied to the outer
tensioner and thereby
to supplement a retention force applied to the users foot as a result of the
tension force
applied to the inner tensioner. The opposed first and second anchors include
respective
first and second apertured members. The retainer includes a portion of a
tongue member
and the opposed first and second retainer couplers include respective first
and second
strap segments extending outwardly from the tongue member and through the
apertured
members. The first and second strap segments are positioned inwardly of the
tongue
member relative to a user's foot when the footwear is donned.
The opposed outer closure elements may include respective opposed first and
second outer eyerows and the outer tensioner may include an outer lace
operatively
extending through the opposed first and the second outer eyerows such that a
tensile load
applied to the outer lace urges the first and the second outer eyerows toward
each other.
The inner closure elements may include respective opposed first and second
inner
eyerows, and the inner tensioner may includes an inner lace operatively
extending
through the opposed first and the second inner eyerows such that a tensile
load applied to
the inner lace urges the first and the second inner eyerows toward each other.
The
operative engagement between the first retainer and the first anchor may
include the first
strap segment extending through and urging against the first apertured member.
The operative engagement between the first retainer coupler and the inner
tensioner may include a first slidable engagement of the first strap segment
with the inner
tensioner, and the operative engagement between the second retainer coupler
and the
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inner tensioner may include a second slidable engagement of the second strap
segment
with the inner tensioner.
The first and second strap segments may be positioned inwardly of at least a
portion of the retainer relative to a user's foot when the footwear is donned.
The inner closure elements may include respective opposed first and second
inner
eyerows positioned adjacent corresponding first and second opposed edges of an
inner
harness member. The inner harness member may be positioned inwardly of at
least a
portion of the retainer relative to a user's foot when the footwear is donned.
The opposed first and second anchors may be fixedly coupled to the footwear
such that the first and the second retainer couplers are positionable inwardly
of the
footwear relative to a user's foot when the footwear is donned.
The footwear may include an outer shell member, wherein the opposed first and
second anchors may be positioned between the outer shell and the inner harness
member
in an opposed relationship with each other.
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Other innovative aspects of this disclosure will become readily apparent to
those
having ordinary skill in the art from a review of the following detailed
description (and
accompanying drawings), wherein various embodiments of disclosed innovations
are
shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, other and
different
embodiments systems incorporating the disclosed innovations are possible and
several
disclosed details are capable of being modified in various respects, all
without departing
from the spirit and scope of the principles disclosed herein. For example, the
detailed
description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is
intended to
describe various embodiments of the disclosed innovations and is not intended
to
represent the only embodiments contemplated by the inventors. Instead, the
detailed
description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a
comprehensive
understanding of the principles disclosed herein. Accordingly the drawings and
detailed
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as
restrictive in nature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Unless specified otherwise, the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals
represent like features throughout, illustrate aspects of the innovative
subject matter
described herein.
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view from a position in front of and lateral
to a boot
having an innovative retention system in a loosened configuration.
FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of a boot configured as shown in FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation view of the boot and retention system
configured
as shown in FIG. 2, showing a portion of an outer shell as translucent to
reveal an inner
liner inserted into the outer shell.
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FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of the boot and retention system
shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 with the retention system shown in a tightened configuration and
the outer
shell shown as being translucent to reveal the inner liner and retention
system.
FIG. 5 shows a view from above and in front of a working embodiment of a boot
having an innovative retention system of the type disclosed herein. Unlike the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the working embodiment shown in FIG.
5
includes an inner harness body.
FIG. 6 shows another a view of the working embodiment of disclosed footwear
shown in FIG.5 being worn, from a user's perspective. The retention system is
partially
but not fully tightened.
FIG. 7 shows view of a side elevation of a sectioned working embodiment of
footwear similar to that shown in FIG. 6 and revealing features of the
retention system and
the inner harness.
FIG. 8 shows a view of a portion of the sectioned working embodiment shown in
FIG. 7 with a portion of the inner harness and features of the retention
system manipulated
to reveal features not shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 shows a view of side elevation of a sectioned working embodiment of
footwear similar to that shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 and revealing features of
the retention
system.
FIG. 10 shows a view from above a complete working embodiment of the type
shown in FIG. 9.
FIG. 11 shows a view , from a user's perspective, of the working embodiment of
the footwear shown in FIG. 10 being worn.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following describes various principles related to retention systems for
footwear, with retention systems for snowboarding boots being but one
particular, but not
exclusive, example of innovative retention systems disclosed herein. One or
more of the
principles can be incorporated in various retention system configurations to
achieve any
of a variety of retention system characteristics. Retention systems described
in relation to
particular boot configurations, applications, or uses, are merely examples of
retention
systems incorporating the innovative principles disclosed herein and are used
to illustrate
one or more innovative aspects of the disclosed principles.
OVERVIEW
For illustrative purposes, a snowboard boot will be used as a representative
boot
embodiment. From the following discussion, persons skilled in the art will
understand
how embodiments may be provided in other forms of boots and footwear.
FIG. 1 shows aspects of an item of footwear 10 having an innovative retention
system 20. The retention system 20 is configured to close a portion of the
footwear
around a wearer's foot and/or leg, retaining or immobilizing the item of
footwear 10
relative to the wearer's foot and/or leg. The retention system 20 is
particularly, but not
exclusively, suitable for securing a sport boot to the wearer's foot and leg
for use in
sports where relative movement (e.g., a sliding or a lifting movement) between
the boot
and the wearer's foot or leg is undesirable.
The boot 10 shown in FIG. 1 has an outer shell 12 and an inner liner 13
positioned
within the outer shell in a mating engagement. The outer shell 12 defines
opposed,
spaced apart edges 14. A tongue 16 of the shell 12 can be positioned between
the edges
14 and can overlie the instep of a wearer's foot and a portion of the wearer's
foreleg,
outwardly of a liner tongue 17. The tongue 16 can constitute part of the shell
12 or can
be coupled to another structure in the boot, e.g., the sole or a strobel.
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Similar to the tongue 16 of the shell 12, the liner tongue 17 can be
positioned
between opposed, spaced apart edges 15 of the liner 13. The shell 12 and the
liner 13 are
complementarily configured as to receive a wearer's foot and leg (not shown)
within the
liner (e.g., see FIG. 11).
In the footwear embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the retention system 20
includes
a lace 21 alternatingly extending through opposed first and the second closure
elements
(in some instances, an inner eyerow can constitute a closure element)
positioned inwardly
of the shell 12 and adjacent a respective opposed edge 14. Each of the opposed
inner
closure elements has a corresponding plurality of eyelets 23b, 23b'.
The retention system 20 also has opposed first and second anchors 23 spaced
from the lace 21 and positioned outwardly of the inner liner 13 and inwardly
of the shell
12. Opposed first and second strap segments 22a extend outwardly from the
tongue 16,
e.g., from an edge 18 of the tongue. As shown in FIG. 1, a strap segment 22a
can
slidably extend through a corresponding one of the anchors 23. The strap
segment 22a
can have a corresponding distal eyelet 25 through which the lace 21 slidably
extends. A
portion 22b of the strap segment 22a can extend in a non-parallel direction
relative to the
strap segment 22a after passing through the anchor 23, allowing tension in the
strap 22a,
22b to apply a resultant force to the anchor 23 in a direction parallel to
neither the
segment 22a nor the segment 23a.
Tensioning the lace 21 can urge the first and second inner closure elements
toward each other, as shown for example in FIGS. 2-4. In addition, tensioning
the lace
21 can draw the opposed distal eyelets 25 of the strap segments 22a toward
each other,
placing one or both of the opposed strap segments 22a in tension. Such tension
in the
strap segment 22a can urge the strap segment through the anchor 23 and draw at
least a
portion of the tongue 16 toward the anchor 23, causing the tongue 16 to urge
against the
inner liner 13, the liner tongue 17, or both, applying a downward and rearward
force to a
wearer's foot (not shown) in a direction generally parallel to the strap
segment 22a
between the tongue and the anchor, and tending to urge the wearer's foot
downward
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toward the footbed and rearward toward the heel region 19. The heel region 19
can
include a heel cup.
In some embodiments, the shell 12 includes an outer eyerow positioned adjacent
each of the opposed edges 14, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5. An outer
lace (not
shown) can alternatingly extend through opposed first and second outer
eyerows.
Tensioning the outer lace can urge the opposed first and second outer eyerows
of the
shell toward each other and thereby urge the tongue 16 inwardly toward the
liner tongue
17, supplementing a downward and rearward force applied to the tongue by the
tensioned
strap segments 22a. A representative example of a closed boot 10 is shown in
FIG. 4.
OUTER SHELL AND INNER LINER
A snowboard boot 10 typically has a shell 12. The shell 12 is typically a semi-
rigid structure made of an assembly of materials, such as one or more of
sheets or layers
of leather, woven or non-woven textiles, and plastics and rubbers. Some or all
of the
shell may be made of molded plastics or rubbers.
The boot may have an inner liner 13, which is usually a removable bootie but
it
can also be built into the shell 12. A footbed for receiving the bottom of the
user's foot is
part of the boot, and may be formed in the liner material or it may be a
separate structure.
The boot also includes a heel region 19 for wrapping around and receiving the
heel of a
wearer's foot. The heel region 19 (e.g., a heel cup) is typically formed in
the liner 13. In
the representative boot embodiments shown in the drawings, opposed edges 14 of
shell
12 are spaced apart from each other and in-filled by tongue 16.
The outer shell includes an upper portion that extends upward from the instep,
over the ankle, and around a lower leg portion of a user. The shell 12 also
includes a
proximal foot enclosure portion enclosing the general areas of the instep and
heel and a
distal portion for enclosing the top and sides of the midfoot and forefoot.
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The boot 10 includes a sole that connects to or is integral with the shell 12
and
covers the bottom of the user's foot. The sole may be made of rubber. EVA, PU
and
other known midsole and outsole materials alone or in combination. The shell
and soles
may be lasted together using any known or developed techniques, including
board
lasting.
The outer shell 12 in a snowboard boot is made up of relatively stiff and
rugged
materials, such as leathers (e.g., natural leathers, synthetic leathers, or
both) and semi-
rigid or rigid plastics, rubbers, or other such materials. The shell may
include an inner
that is typically made up of a thickened set of materials that provide
cushioning, comfort,
and insulation to a user's foot. For example, the liner may be made of a core
of foamed
polyurethane PU or ethyl vinyl acetate EVA materials with outer and inner
linings of a
textile or fabric. The inner liner may also be separate removable component 13
such as a
bootie. The tongue or tongue region 16 of the boot may be molded or otherwise
be
formed similar to the shell. The liner can also have a liner tongue 17. A
liner tongue
can have a construction similar to a construction of the liner.
Boot 10 has a flex zone laterally outward of and generally corresponding to a
position of an intended wearer's ankle joint. The ankle joint is the hinging
joint between
the foot and the leg. The uppermost bone of the foot, called the talus (ankle-
bone), is
disposed between the two bony protuberances formed by the lower ends of the
tibia (shin
bone) and the fibula. By constricting the boot around the region of an
intended wearer's
ankle's hinge joint, retention system can cause the boot to be immobilized
over the
wearer's foot and leg, allowing for precise and controlled flexation and
transmission of
power to, for example, a snowboard.
OPTIONAL INNER HARNESS BODY
Unlike the boot 10 shown in FIG. 1, the working boot embodiment pictured in
FIG. 5 has an inner harness body 30 positioned within the outer shell. Such a
harness
body is optional and not required, as indicated by comparing the working
embodiments
shown in FIGS. 5 and, for example, FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner
harness body
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30 can be configured to overlie an inner liner 13 of the type shown
schematically in and
described in relation to FIGS. 1 through 4.
As shown in FIGS. 5 through 8, opposed pluralities of eyelets 23a constituting
respectively opposed first and the second closure elements (sometimes referred
to herein
as "constrictors") can extend from an inner harness body 30. Tensioning the
lace 21 can
urge the first and second inner closure elements extending from the harness,
and thus
opposed edges of the harness 30, toward each other, as shown for example in
FIGS. 5 and
6.
RETENTION SYSTEM EMBODIMENTS
In general, an innovative retention system 12 can include a closure configured
to
constrict one or more portions of the boot 10 around a wearer's leg and/or
foot. For
example, a common closure system for a snowboard boot can includes opposed
constrictors (or closure elements) and a tensioner configured to urge the
opposed
constrictors toward each other in response to a tensile force applied to the
tensioner.
As used herein, a "constrictor" refers to any structure or member configured
to
constrict a portion of an article of footwear around a corresponding portion
of a wearer's
foot, ankle, and/or leg.
As used herein, a "tensioner" refers to any structure or member configured to
urge
against a portion of an article of footwear when placed under a tensile load.
In some representative embodiments, the tensioner is configured as a lace 21,
and
the opposed constrictors are configured to slidably engage the lace. As but
one example,
the opposed constrictors can include opposed eyerows having respective
pluralities of
eyelets 23b, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 6. The eyelets 23b, 23b' can be
fixedly
coupled with a portion of the footwear (e.g., a liner, a shell, a harness
body). As an
example, a strap 23a having a distal eyelet 23b can be sewn to an inner liner
of the shell
(FIG. 10) or an inner harness 30 (FIG. 5).
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Other forms of constrictors are possible. For example, some constrictors can
be
configured as hooks fixedly attached to the shell 12, the inner liner 13 or an
optional
inner harness body 30. Other constrictors include latches, hook-and-loop
fasteners
extending through an apertured ring, etc.
Innovative retention systems can also include a retainer 18a (FIG. 1)
configured
to overlie an instep of an intended wearer's foot when the boot 10 is worn. In
some
instances, the retainer 18a constitutes a portion of a tongue 16. Opposed
first and second
retainer couplers 22a, 22b (FIG. 2) can extend outwardly from the retainer
18a. The
retainer 18a can be fixedly coupled with, or integral with, the retainer
couplers 22a. For
example, a retainer 18a can include a strap of fabric, leather or other
suitable material
sewn, riveted or otherwise fixedly attached to or integrated with the tongue
16.
In some instances, the retainer 18a is configured as an intermediate strap
(FIG. 1)
extending between proximal ends of the opposed and outwardly extending first
and
second retainer couplers 22a. As an example, the intermediate strap can
constitute an
intermediate segment of a continuous strap extending between eyelets 25
positioned at
opposing ends of the strap. Stated differently, the intermediate strap can
form a unitary
construction with, and thus be an intermediate segment of, a continuous strap.
In other
embodiments, an intermediate strap can constitute a structure independent of
the
outwardly extending retainer couplers. For example, a portion of the tongue 16
can
define the retainer 18a.
In addition to a closure and a retainer, innovative retention systems 12 can
include
opposed first and second anchors 23 spaced from the tensioner. The anchors 23
can
permit the retainer couplers 22a to operatively couple the retainer and the
closure to each
other. In the illustrated embodiments, the anchors 23 allow a tensile member
(e.g., a
compliant strap) to bend and thus allow a tensile force applied along the
tensile member
to act on one or more portions of the boot 10 in a resultant direction other
than parallel to
the tensile member. For example, in FIG. 2, the tensile member 22a extends
through and
bends around the ring 23, causing segments 22a, 22b of the tensile member on
opposed
sides of the ring to form an acute angle relative to each other. Since the
direction of a
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tensile force applied to a tensile member (such as a compliant strap or a
lace) is parallel
to a longitudinal axis of the tensile member, tensile forces within the member
22a are
parallel to the member.
The tensile force in the segment of the tensile member 22a extending between
the
anchor 23 and the edge 18 of the tongue 16 acts along the segment. Similarly,
the tensile
force in the segment of the tensile member 22b extending between the anchor 23
and the
lace 21 (e.g., the eyelet 25), as shown in FIG. 2, acts along the segment.
Since the tensile
members 22a and 22b form an acute angle relative to each other, the resultant
force
vector applied by the members 22a, 22b on the anchor 23 lies parallel to
neither of the
members 22a, 22b. Nonetheless, the tensioner (e.g., lace 21) and anchor 23
place the
members 23b in tension. The tension force (net of friction between the strap
and anchor
23) continues into member 22a, urging the tongue 16 toward the anchor 23
(e.g., parallel
to member 22a). Taking an alternative view, placement of the anchors 23 in a
spaced
apart relation from the lace 21 and edge 18 of the tongue 16 can draw the
tongue
downward and rearward in a desired direction (e.g., parallel to segment 22a)
in response
to tensioning of the lace 21.
In some instances, a retention system of the type disclosed herein can cause
the
tongue 16 to urge a wearer's foot downward and rearward in a direction
generally parallel
to a line between a wearer's talus and heel protrusion. Relative placement of
the anchor
23, retainer and eyelet 25 can be selected to cause the retainer to urge a
wearer's foot
and/or foreleg in a predetermined downward and rearward direction relative to
the boot.
Suitable anchors 23 can be configured to slidably engage or rollingly urge
against
an elongate retainer coupler, such as the strap 22a, 22b. As shown in the
accompanying
drawings, an anchor 23 can be configured as a D-ring or an 0-ring (or other
apertured
member), preferably having a relatively low coefficient of friction in
relation to a
material selected for the strap 22a, 22b. Alternatively, an anchor 23 can be
configured as
a suitable pivot device configured to rollingly engage an elongate member
(e.g., a lace, a
cable, a rope, a strap). For example, a suitable anchor can be configured as a
roller, a
sheave, a pulley, etc.
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The anchors 23 can be positioned between an inner liner 13 and an inner
surface
(e.g., a lining 12a) of the shell 12. The anchors 23 can be fixedly coupled
relative to the
boot. For example, the anchors 23 can be affixed to the inner harness 30 (FIG.
5) or to a
lining 12a (FIG. 10) of a shell, e.g., by sewing a strap 24a to a selected
portion of the boot
10. A corresponding retainer coupler (e.g., strap 22a, 22b) can be positioned
inwardly of
the shell 12.
In addition to the closure system described above (e.g., an inner closure
system),
some disclosed boots 10 have an outer closure system configured to supplement
the
constrictive and/or retention forces arising from the inner closure system.
For example,
opposed edges 14 of the outer shell 12 can at least partially overlie and urge
against the
tongue 16 and, in some instances, at least a portion of the retainer 18,
thereby closing the
shell and tongue securely around the leg of a user.
One common type of closure system is a cable-based system. As used herein, a
"cable" is a broad term that means any known pliant, flexible, relatively
thin. elongate,
tensionable structure that allows for routing along, through, and/or among a
set of closure
elements (sometimes referred to herein as constrictors) arranged on or
adjacent a pair of
opposed edges that are to be drawn together. In some instances, a closure
element
constitutes at least a portion of an eyerow. Accordingly, suitable cables may
include any
form of shoe or boot lace, cables of bundled metal fibers or of non-metals,
strings, cords,
chains, leather strips, etc. Closure elements in a cable closure system may be
loops,
hooks, eyelets and other such structures that can receive or otherwise
operatively engage
a cable. Other configurations of mechanical closure systems are also possible.
For
example, the closure elements may be buckles, straps (e.g., belt style or
Velcro style),
clamps, etc.
In the representative embodiments shown, a set of closure elements can be
positioned adjacent edges 14 of the shell 12 that run from the front of the
lower leg
portion of the boot, downwardly and over the top of the foot, to the toe
region of the boot.
Closure systems for snowboard boots and various other kinds of boots often can
be
generally centered over the front of the lower leg and the top of the foot.
They typically
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do not extend substantially beyond such centralized areas to the sides of the
leg and foot.
OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
This disclosure describes and the drawings illustrate aspects of specific
embodiments, but other embodiments may be formed and structural and logical
changes
may be made without departing from the intended scope of this disclosure.
Directions
and references (e.g., up, down, top, bottom, left, right, rearward, forward,
etc.) may be
used to facilitate discussion of the drawings but are not intended to be
limiting. For
example, certain terms may be used such as "up," "down,", "upper," "lower,"
"horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," and the like. Such terms are used,
where
applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative
relationships, particularly with respect to the illustrated embodiments. Such
terms are
not, however, intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or
orientations. For
example, with respect to an object, an "upper" surface can become a "lower"
surface
simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same surface
and the object
remains the same. As used herein, "and/or" means "and" or "or", as well as
"and" and
"or."
Incorporating the principles disclosed herein, it is possible to provide a
wide
variety of retention system configurations. For example, features described in
relation to
any particular example can be combined with one or more features described in
any one
or more of the other examples. Accordingly, this detailed description shall
not be
construed in a limiting sense, and following a review of this disclosure,
those of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate the wide variety of retention systems that
can be devised
using the various concepts described herein. Moreover, those of ordinary skill
in the art
will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein can be adapted
to
various configurations without departing from the disclosed principles. Thus,
in view of
the many possible embodiments to which the disclosed principles can be
applied, it
should be recognized that the above-described embodiments are only examples
and
should not be taken as limiting in scope. Therefore, notwithstanding that
claims are not a
necessary component of provisional patent applications, we reserve all rights
to the
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subject matter disclosed herein, including the right to claim all that comes
within
the scope and spirit of the following paragraphs, as well as all aspects of
any innovation
shown or described herein.
While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such
embodiments should be considered illustrative of the subject matter described
herein and
not as limiting the claims as construed in accordance with the relevant
jurisprudence.
All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various
embodiments described throughout the disclosure that are known or later come
to be
known to those of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be encompassed by
the features
described and claimed herein. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended
to be
dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly
recited in the
claims.
The inventors reserve all rights to the subject matter disclosed herein,
including
the right to claim all that comes within the scope of the following claims:
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